Sharks run away from Blues, Vultures hold off Nodders

Eight unanswered goals in the final term helped Beaumaris to a runaway 57-point victory over Monash Blues at Banksia Reserve. The Sharks led by just six points at three quarter time but ignited in a spirited fourth-quarter display led by Sam Gibbins’ five-goal haul. Jordan Smith finished the match with three goals for the Sharks, while teammate Robert Cathcart was best afield. Beau Harris and Joe Harrison impressed for the Blues. The Blues were outstanding for three quarters, but the loss means they remain in 10^th spot on the ladder with a percentage of 39.71%. The Sharks are once again just one game outside the four in fifth.

One week after suffering their first loss of the season, Old Carey returned to the winners’ column via a 24-point victory over Ajax at Gary Smorgon Oval. Leading by seven points at half time, the Panthers kicked seven goals to five in the second half as the Jackas refused to give up. Henry Schade’s sublime season continued for the Panthers as he produced his second BOG display and was named in the best for the fifth time, while Will Nichols top-scored with three majors. Brandon Joel kicked three goals for the second week in a row for the Jackas as Kane Nissenbaum dominated throughout the day.

Parkdale Vultures held off a fast-finishing Mazenod and claimed their fourth win of the year with a five-point victory at Gerry Green Reserve. Leading bb 21 points at three quarter time, the Vultures managed just one more goal in the fourth while the Nodders came hard with four straight. Captain Charlie Dillon, who played his 100^th game for the club, kicked two goals and was one of the Vultures’ best players alongside a standout performance from Jason Bristow. Goy Lok led the charge for the Nodders with four goals and Christopher Campbell was their best player for the second time in three games. The Vultures are now two games outside the four but three above those in relegation territory, while the Nodders are eighth with two wins for the season.

St Bernard’s strengthened their position at the top of the Premier B ladder with a comprehensive 52-point win over Caulfield Grammarians at Glenhuntly Oval. Leading by 30 points at the main break, the Snow Dogs piled on seven goals to two in the third term and created an unassailable buffer before the Fields finished off with two goals to one in the fourth. Chad Jones simply can’t be stopped at present and kicked another five goals for the Snow Dogs, taking his season tally to 37 from seven games. It was his fifth five-goal haul for the season and lowest tally from his past four games. Simon Caven and Ben Huggard were instrumental to the Snow Dogs’ success, while Finn McEvoy and Ryan Harris continued their hot form for the Fields.

Seven goals from Lachlan Huntington helped University Blacks to their eighth win of the season, defeating Old Haileybury by 29 points at Uni Oval. With scores tied at the first break, the Blacks broke away with 10 goals to six over the ensuing three quarters. Huntington was unstoppable given his side managed just 12 goals for the game, while Joel Beasley (2) and Campbell Moorfield also impressed. Corey Connelly and Peter Shakallis (2) were the standouts for the Bloods who would be impressed with the way they stayed in touch with the Blacks throughout the match.